ST. PATRICK'S DAY!!

Hey everybody! I know it’s a few days late, but Happy St. Patrick’s Day from Ireland!!!! The team and I had a great day in County Donegal; it was just a special day. I remember 3 years ago to the day I was in Sunday Mass in England and that was the first time I felt called to be a Missionary in Ireland. I just felt so certain about it, and that eventually prompted me to do a little research on organizations I could work with. That was how I originally discovered that there was NET in Ireland. The Lord works in mysterious ways.

This year it was so cool to be celebrating this feast day in the country that was impacted so much by this Saint! They do a really good job showing the impact in Mass, and I could see it just looking at all the people dressed in green in the pews. Like Mass wasn't just full, but there were many young families. There were children running around, teenagers with their families but who seemed engaged, and of course the old people whose prayers are probably making work for people like me possible. I’m not sure if every St. Patrick’s Day Mass in Ireland is like this, but I have been to way too many empty Masses in this country. This one had so many families that they were able to gear it towards children. The altar boy was dressed as St. Patrick, with a staff and everything. Before the bringing of the gifts, children presented multiple items that represent the impact this Saint had in the world. The two I remember would be a Gaelic football and hurling stick, which are both crucial to Irish sports here. Then at the end, before the final blessing, some more students came to the front and presented an Irish dance performance.

There’s a few things that stood out to me from the Mass, and I’m not sure if it’s what people were aiming for or if it’s just me, but here it is:

                During Mass, they incorporated all those elements of Irish Culture. But what’s more, they attributed it to St. Patrick. While I’m about 90% sure St. Patrick didn’t invent hurling or Irish dance, the point is that he shaped the Ireland that developed each of those things. He brought the Catholic faith to Ireland in a way that people have never seen before. He brought it in a way that changed their lives. Faith isn’t supposed to contrast with the culture; they’re supposed to be complementary. If that’s not happening, something is wrong.  

Following that, we did go to the pub and to a parade! Yes, the parade which had a few familiar faces in it. Which is good because here in Ireland, one of the most important parts of St. Patrick’s Day is the family. Even with a country where drinking is one of the most notorious stereotypes, spending time with family is more important. While it may be in the pub, it’s not an excuse to go out and get drunk.

Yes America, I’m totally calling you out on that.

Anyway, thank you all for reading!!!!! I’ll update soon, but in the meantime please pray for me!